Make masks mandatory to check airborne spread, says virologists

Vellore

“WHO had earlier said the virus spread through droplets from a person’s cough. The public was asked to maintain at least six feet distance as a safety measure because these droplets fall to the ground within a metre (3 feet) of the person coughing. But now that it is confirmed that the virus could be airborne, the government should make wearing masks mandatory for all, as cotton masks absorb droplets. The airborne droplets can travel up to 15 feet, so social distancing should also be followed,” Dr John explained.

This is the reason why shops with air conditioning are asked to switch it off, as recycling of indoor air will ensure the virus remains in the same spot for quite some time with ample chances for persons to be infected, he added.

A solution would be to be in the open air with social distancing. Then, the chances of being infected would come down, he said.

Agreeing to this, Vellore Naruvi hospitals virology department head Dr Anantharam Raghavendran said universal masking was the only way for people to safeguard themselves against the virus. “We still do not how know how long the virus will be airborne, and if so, what percentage of it will still have the potential to infect humans,” he added.